The Stone Series: Ancient Indian Sculptures in Watercolour
I capture the timeless energy and texture of ancient Indian stone carvings using watercolours, inspired by my visits to historic sites like Ellora.
"Mahishasur Mardini," a detailed watercolour from my stone series. This piece, which was exhibited at my solo show, is a prime example of how I use paint to replicate the feel of carved stone.
The full view of my "Mahishasur Mardini" painting. The handmade paper with its rough edges adds to the ancient, artifact-like quality of the artwork.
A close up detail of the "Mahishasur Mardini" painting. You can see the fine brushwork used to create the texture and dimension of the sculpture and the figures.
Standing with my "Mahishasur Mardini" painting. It's always a proud moment to see a piece that took so much effort finally framed and ready.
An early Ganesha painting from my stone series, created in 2010. This piece shows my initial explorations into capturing the form and texture of stone sculptures with watercolour.
An acrylic painting of a Ganesha sculpture. While I often use watercolour, acrylics allow for a different kind of texture and richness, giving the sculpture a solid, earthy feel.
A watercolour painting from my stone series that was part of my 2017 solo exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery. This piece depicts a historical scene with the detail and texture of a temple carving.
Here I am during a live demonstration on Saam TV, painting a Ganesha in my stone series style. In the interview, I explain how Indian temple carvings are a major source of inspiration for me.
My award winning painting, "Timeless Beauty," which received the 'Kalanand' All India Grant. This piece, depicting the interior of the Elephanta Caves, is a tribute to our magnificent sculptural heritage.
A watercolour demonstration I did at the Elephanta Caves. It was a special experience to paint the stone sculptures while being right there, surrounded by their history and energy.
About The Stone Series
Painting stone with watercolour is a constant lesson in patience. I use 300 GSM 100% cotton rag paper and specific mineral-based watercolours to replicate the granulation and grit of real stone. When you look closely, you will see how I layer the paint to mimic those centuries-old chisel marks.
The real challenge is translating something as heavy and rigid as a rock temple carving into the soft, fluid medium of watercolour. I often start these pieces with sketches done on-location at sites like the Elephanta Caves or Hampi. Being physically present allows me to understand how the light hits these sculptures and how the moss and weathering have changed the texture over time.
When I am back in my studio in Pune, I focus on the 'stone effect'—the interplay of light and shadow that makes the subject appear three-dimensional. I often preserve the deckle edge of the paper to enhance the artifact-like quality of the final piece. My goal is never just to create a replica; it is to evoke that same sense of wonder I felt when I first stood before those carvings and asked myself, 'kasa vichar kela asel' (how did they plan this).
These commissions are not just decorative; they are rooted in a deep respect for our heritage. Whether it is a deity like Ganesha or a scene from a historic fort, I treat every brushstroke as a tribute to the craftsmen who came long before us. If you have a specific architectural or sculptural memory you want to preserve, I am here to help you bring it to life.
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